After a thorough recruitment process, including interviews by an independent panel, we are excited to announce the appointment of Jenni Smith as Chair for Pendleton’s Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
The Neighbourhood Board will oversee the Pride in Place Programme across Brookhouse and Peel Green, a 10-year, £20 million investment in this community by this Government.
Meet Jenni
Jenni is the Chief Executive Officer of Salford Loaves and Fishes. She brings deep-rooted local knowledge and a strong network of trusted relationships built through leading an organisation at the heart of Pendleton, which supports nearly 100 people a day and welcomes over 3,000 residents annually.
Jenni is a lifelong Salfordian who has volunteered across the city for over a decade, giving her an instinctive feel for the area's people, history, and community networks.
Jenni commented on her appointment, “I feel genuinely honoured and excited to be appointed as Chair of Pride in Place Pendleton. It’s a real privilege to take on a role that is so closely connected to the community, putting residents in the driving seat and focusing on making a positive difference.
Pendleton has strong potential, and I’m proud to be part of a Board committed to enhancing the local environment, strengthening community pride, and ensuring residents have a voice in shaping where they live. I’m particularly looking forward to working collaboratively with residents, partners, and stakeholders to create a lasting legacy for future Salfordians. For me, this role is about listening, bringing people together, and creating opportunities that improve the quality of life for everyone in Pendleton. I’m excited about what we can achieve as a board and optimistic about the impact we can make moving forward.
What I’m hoping to do in this role is build on the strong foundations already in place and help create a clear, shared vision for Pendleton’s future. A key priority for me is ensuring that residents are at the heart of everything we do. Ensuring they feel heard, are involved, and empowered to shape their local area. I want to support initiatives that not only improve the physical environment but also strengthen community connections and pride. I’m also keen to work closely with partners and stakeholders to unlock opportunities, bring in new ideas, and ensure we deliver meaningful, lasting improvements. Ultimately, I would love to help create a place where people feel proud to live, where opportunities are accessible, and where the impact of our work is felt both now and for future generations.
I hope this work has a meaningful and lasting impact on Pendleton by helping to create a stronger, more connected community where people feel proud of where they live. I hope people can see real, visible improvements in the local environment, alongside opportunities that support residents’ wellbeing, aspirations, and sense of belonging. Just as importantly, I hope it empowers residents to have a genuine voice and influence in shaping their neighbourhood. Ultimately, I’d like the impact to be a lasting and sustainable legacy, something that people can see and feel. Whether that’s through improved spaces, stronger community relationships, or increased confidence in the future of Pendleton as a place to live, grow, and thrive.”
Rebecca Long-Bailey MP commented, “
“I’m delighted to welcome Jenni as Chair of the Pendleton Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board. Jenni brings a wealth of experience, deep community roots, and a genuine commitment to putting residents first. She will be invaluable as the Board works to strengthen and improve the local neighbourhood, ensuring that the voices of residents are at the heart of decision-making and the delivery of the £20million investment into Pendleton goes to where it’s needed. I look forward to working with Jenni and seeing the positive impact she and the rest of the board will have for the community.”
About the Neighbourhood Board
The Pendleton Neighbourhood Board will play a vital role in shaping decisions that matter to local people - giving residents a real voice in how investment and activity is directed in their neighbourhood. With community representation at its heart, the board will help ensure that the people who know Pendleton best are at the table when it counts.
The Board will give local people the power to decide how funding is spent, putting communities in charge of the future of their neighbourhoods. The Neighbourhood Board is led by an Independent Chair and Vice Chair, appointed and approved by the local MP and local authority.’
What’s next
Wider Neighbourhood Board recruitment is now well underway, with interviews taking place over the coming weeks. The level of interest from the community has been fantastic, and we look forward to welcoming a board that truly reflects the diversity and spirit of Pendleton.
This is just the beginning, there will be plenty more opportunities for people and communities across Pendleton to get involved in shaping Pride in Place beyond the Neighbourhood Board. From sharing ideas to taking part in local activity, everyone has a part to play. Look out for events and opportunities coming out over the summer - we'd love to see as many of you there as possible.
For the latest Salford PIP news: www.salfordcvs.co.uk/PrideInPlaceSalford